Did Team Trees Actually Plant 20 Million Trees?
Earlier this year, YouTube star MrBeast (real name Jimmy Donaldson) teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation to launch the #TeamTrees campaign. The goal: to raise $20 million by the end of 2019 in order to plant 20 million trees.
The campaign quickly went viral, with people all over the world donating and spreading the word. In just two months, the $20 million goal was reached.
What Actually Happened With the Money?
Once the money was raised, the Arbor Day Foundation got to work on planting the promised trees. But did they actually manage to plant all 20 million?
According to the Foundation's website, as of October 2020, over 19 million trees have been planted as part of the campaign. The trees have been planted across various areas in the United States, as well as in other countries including Canada, Brazil, and Madagascar.
The Arbor Day Foundation has also provided updates on the project, sharing photos and videos of the planting process.
Challenges Faced During the Planting Process
While the project has been successful, it hasn't been without its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles was finding suitable land for planting. The Foundation had to work with various landowners, governments, and organizations to secure the necessary space.
Another challenge was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the planting sites were in remote areas, and the Foundation had to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their staff.
The Importance of Planting Trees
Despite the obstacles, the success of the #TeamTrees campaign is a testament to the fact that people all over the world recognize the importance of planting trees.
Trees play a vital role in fighting climate change, as they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also provide habitats for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, and help regulate the water cycle.
The Arbor Day Foundation has said that the 20 million trees planted as part of the #TeamTrees campaign could potentially remove nearly 1 million tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year.
What's Next for #TeamTrees?
The Arbor Day Foundation has said that the work doesn't stop at 20 million trees. They plan to continue planting trees as part of the campaign, and are also working on other environmental initiatives.
The success of the #TeamTrees campaign has shown what is possible when people come together for a common cause. Let's hope that this momentum continues, and that we can all work towards a greener, more sustainable future.